Introduces the different theological disciplines through the lens of mission. Examines the relationship between theology and Scripture; provides an overview of the development of Christian thought and doctrine; the challenges of modernity; the role of the church in relation to mission; and the mandate to witness in our culture. Complementary to this, the literature of theology is introduced along with the research and writing process; locating, evaluating and using information; genres of theological writing; citation and bibliographic formats; and ethical aspects. Lectures, in-class and library exercises. Pre-course assignment, research and writing exercises, major paper.

Mystery of God Triune: biblical, liturgical, historical, and contemporary theology on the Trinity. Question of God in human experience, atheism, Trinitarian debates, feminist perspectives, the Trinity in the economy of salvation, implications for prayer. Lectures, discussions, short paper, final exam.

The mystery of the Church as seen in the light of Vatican II. Her foundation in Christ in Scripture and history that gives rise to her structure, mission, and four Marks. Mary as the Mother of the Church and eschatological icon. One midterm test, one mini-synthesis and a final oral examination.

Jesus' preaching of the reign of God; development of ecclesial structures; ministries in the church; mission, service, and witness in the Church today, contemporary issues leading to and arising from Vatican II. Lectures, discussions, research paper, take-home exam.

A renewed interest in exploring the relationship between theology and the arts is evident from the growing literature in the field. The arts have become a fresh context for engaging important theological questions. For this course the focus of our attention will be on the wide range of the current conversations on arts and theology. Themes such as spirituality and art, liturgy and art, God and beauty, faith and the place of imagination, and art as a resource for engaging issues of justice will be among the topics we consider. The time in each class will be about evenly divided between lecture and seminar. Assigned readings which will be available in advance will serve as the context for the seminar discussions.

Through lecture, discussion, prayer and eco-praxis, course participants will develop a solid academic foundation in eco-theology, skills to analyze contemporary social and ethical issues in ecology, and an integration of theology, spirituality and pracitcal applications to support the formation of Christian identity and mission in the world today.

This course is for Christian theology students who wish to have a basic knowledge of the religion of Islam. Two basic questions are attempted in the course: "What is Islam?" and How do I engage the Muslim?". These two questions will underline the lectures and discussions.

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

Covering the range of Jewish history from the Bible to the present, students will explore the variety of ways in which, confronted by the reality of evil, Jewish tradition has aimed to address and defeat it. Questions regarding the psychology of evil, the pervasiveness of suffering, and the nature of the human condition will supplement discussions of theodicy. Sources from the Bible, Talmud, medieval literature, and modern philosophy will be included. Teaching methods: Students will be encouraged to discuss and debate selected texts read in advance, analyzed in class, and highlighted by lectures. Means of evaluation: One class presentation and a final research paper are required. Attendance (15%), class participation (15%), class presentation (30%), research paper (40%)

An introduction for theology students to central existential themes of freedom, responsibility, self-knowledge and human solidarity. Readings will be from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and Heidegger.

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

This course explores world religions through music, one of the most universal features of human life. It will focus on the various traditions and phenomena of religious music in comparative perspective, and examine the way in which music reflects the religious tenets and has been used as a means of interacting with the divine. Covering seven of the major religions.

Humans are story-telling animals. We find our identity, our memory, our vision and our meaning through the narratives of our lives. While the church has been a foundational story telling institution in our lives, it has clearly been eclipsed in the last half century by various forms of mass media, and most notably through cinema. In this course we will use the Toronto International Film Festival as our classroom. Engaging in a two way dialogue between film and Christian theology, students will develop a biblically theological understanding of contemporary film. We will explore the prophetic, pastoral, liturgical and theological contribution that contemporary cinema can make to Christian reflection and praxis in a late modern socio-historical context. The text for this course will be: Roy Anker, Catching Light: Looking for God in the Movies ( Eerdmans, 2004)

Sherry Coman is co-teaching this course with Brian Walsh.

Schedule:Schedule Notes: Various times during the Toronto International Film Festival September 2012; irregular meetings for the rest of the term according to class availability.Instructors:Brian Walsh

The course will consider, in the Canadian context, how the influential Christian political theologies of the 20th century such as the Social Gospel, Christian socialism, liberation theology and their conservative counterpoints might inform a Christian political theology for the 21st century. We will examine how these theologies actually shaped 20th century Canada through the work and lives of such Christians as Tommy Douglas, Ted Scott, Pierre Trudeau, George Grant and others. We will also consider the political role of the Canadian churches.

Explores the transformative dynamics of grace in Scripture, representative early theologians, early doctrinal development, medieval theology and the Reformation period. Participants develop a contemporary systematic approach, especially with respect to ecumenical and interfaith issues. Draws on the thought of Bernard Lonergan. Written assignments, readings, discussion.

AD students enrol in RGT6333HS.

Schedule: 9:00 to 12:00Schedule Notes: Tuesday through Friday: July 3-6; Monday through Thursday : July 9-12Instructors:Gordon RixonTeaching Methods: Seminars Other Information: Second Semester · One Credit · Max: 42Enrollment Notes: Max 42 (AD & BD) Additional Notes: Last day to add: 2012 July 5; Last day to drop: 2012 July 9

A careful study of a book of the Summa contra Gentiles, where Aquinas explores Christian doctrines as an exercise in personally appropriating divine wisdom. The course teaches a method of close textual reading, and will interest students seeking an accessible introduction to Aquinas, those seeking an overall view of his methodology, and those preparing comprehensive exams in theology. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3551: 2 short papers, 2 learning reports, final take home exam. Assignments for 6551: 2 short papers, preparing and giving a 1 hour lecture, final exegetical essay.

An introduction to the major theological interests of Reform movements in the pre-modern and Reformation-era Church, covering the figures of Francis, Wycliffe, Tyndale, Latimer, Luther, Calvin, Trent, Radical Reformers, and Hooker. This is a course that focuses on theology, not church history, but will seek to identify formative strands of thinking about the Gospel and the work of Christ among these Christian thinkers as they sought to re-shape the witness of the Church in their time. The nature of ecclesial “re-formation” will be a sub-theme of the course. Online lectures and discussions. Evaluation: participation in online discussions (70%), two synthesis papers (30%).

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

An intensive five day course that explores a key treatise or text of Thomas Aquinas. Students attend the sessions of the Aquinas Studium, which gathers Aquinas experts for a week of reading, critical exegesis and conversation, and a daily seminar with the course instructor. Attendance at all sessions is required, and no exceptions are possible. Permission of the instructor required for registration.

AD students enrol in RGT6559HF.

Schedule: 09:00 to 17:00 · Begins: 05/28 · Ends: 06/01Schedule Notes: Monday through Friday, May 28 - June 1Instructors:Gilles MongeauOther Information: First Semester · One CreditEnrollment Notes: Last day to add: 2012 May 28; Last day to drop: 2012 May 30

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

“Radical Orthodoxy” (RO) is a theological movement often associated with British Anglican theologians John Milbank, Catherine Pickstock, and Graham Ward—though as a theological “sensibility” its impact and representatives are much wider. Characterized by a trenchant critique of modernity, including liberalism and secularism, RO is properly understood as an ecclesial political theology that draws on Augustinian wells.

This course will offer an introduction of RO’s political theology in order to engage one of its most trenchant critics. In Democracy and Tradition, Jeffrey Stout criticizes RO as a “new traditionalism” that he associates with Alasdair MacIntyre and Stanley Hauerwas. For Stout, this new traditionalism, because of its “ecclesio-centrism,” effectively encourages Christians to withdraw from the public sphere and abandon the common good. We will carefully consider Stout’s important critique and then consider a “Radically Orthodox” response, drawing on a re-reading of Augustine’s City of God in a contemporary context.

This course will involve a prayful theological reflection arising from participation in an actual journey to Auschwitz. How does this fact of history pose challenges for Christian thinking, praying and acting. Prerequisite: Approval of Professor. Readings and participation in 8 day trip to Germany and Auschwitz. BD students: participation with two reflection papers. AD students: participation with 20-30 page major paper on a topic arranged with the professor.

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

Eastern Christian thought has always been deeply concerned with ethical-social issues of the daily encounter with life and culture, but Christian Orthodoxy grounds solutions to these issues in tradition, not "progress". How should modern Orthodoxy respond to civil rights, war, sexuality, bioethics, multiculturalism, environmentalism, women's ministries, etc.?

This course will examine human sexuality from a range of theological and historical perspectives: scriptural, doctrinal, sociological, and ethical. Questions of sexual differentiation, desire, procreation, family, and marriage and celibacy will be discussed. The goal of the course is to provide the student with a broad base from which to discern a consistent pattern of Christian understanding regarding sexuality, within both historical and contemporary diversities. The course will engage broad reading, lecture, and discussion, with a final paper aimed at outlining and justifying a teaching syllabus for teenagers within a church setting (15 pages). Advanced Degree students will have an expanded reading list and will be writing a longer research paper on a chosen set topic relating to Christian formation with regard to sexuality within pluralistic cultures.

This course will explore the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of a recent renewed interest in liturgical theology, considering figures such as Pierre Bourdieu, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Charles Taylor. Literature review, major paper.

Schedule: 09:00 to 12:00 · Begins: 06/04 · Ends: 06/14Schedule Notes: Monday through Friday, June 4-14Instructors:James K.A. SmithOther Information: First Semester · One CreditAdditional Notes: This course has been cancelled, but James K.A. Smith will teach TRT3626H Radical Orthodoxy and Political Theology in the summer session.

A study of the components of justice, with emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and on a creative approach to the restitution sometimes demanded of the individual beyond a simple 'penance'. Injustices such as sexual, child and elder abuse in church and other institutions will be discussed from restorative justive and preventative aspects. Lectures, seminar participation (30%), one seminar presentation (20%), one 10 page paper (30%), final oral exam (20%).

Schedule: 9:00 to 12:00Schedule Notes: July 16- 26. Monday through FridayInstructors:Moira McQueenTeaching Methods: Lectures Other Information: Second Semester · One Credit · Min: 12Enrollment Notes: Last day to add or drop the course - July 18, 2012.

Explores the transformative dynamics of grace in Scripture, representative early theologians, early doctrinal development, medieval theology and the Reformation period. Participants develop a contemporary systematic approach, especially with respect to ecumenical and interfaith issues. Draws on the thought of Bernard Lonergan. Written assignments, readings, discussion.

Basic Degree students enrol in RGT3333HS.

Schedule: 9:00 to 12:00Schedule Notes: Tuesday through Friday: July 3-6; Monday through Thursday: July 9-12Instructors:Gordon RixonTeaching Methods: Seminars Other Information: Second Semester · One Credit · Max: 42Enrollment Notes: Max 42 (AD & BD) Additional Notes: Last day to add: 2012 July 5; Last day to drop: 2012 July 9

A careful study of a book of the Summa contra Gentiles, where Aquinas explores Christian doctrines as an exercise in personally appropriating divine wisdom. The course teaches a method of close textual reading, and will interest students seeking an accessible introduction to Aquinas, those seeking an overall view of his methodology, and those preparing comprehensive exams in theology. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3551: 2 short papers, 2 learning reports, final take home exam. Assignments for 6551: 2 short papers, preparing and giving a 1 hour lecture, final exegetical essay.

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

An intensive five day course that explores a key treatise or text of Thomas Aquinas. Students attend the sessions of the Aquinas Studium, which gathers Aquinas experts for a week of reading, critical exegesis and conversation, and a daily seminar with the course instructor. Attendance at all sessions is required, and no exceptions are possible. Permission of the instructor required for registration.

Basic Degree students enrol in RGT3559HF.

Schedule: 09:00 to 17:00 · Begins: 05/28 · Ends: 06/01Schedule Notes: Monday through Friday, May 28 - June 1Instructors:Gilles MongeauOther Information: First Semester · One CreditEnrollment Notes: Last day to add: 2012 May 28; Last day to drop: 2012 May 30

Intro to some main ideas that are theologically and ethically relevant in Kierkegaard's thought: person, indirect communication, irony, edification, confession, sermon, scripture. Christ as model and as redeemer. Attention to biblical figures shaping Kierkegaard's understanding of faith. Selected readings from Either/Or, Purity of Heart, Gospel of Suffering, Christian Discourses, and Works of Love. Class presentations and contribution to discussions 10%; Short critique (400-600 words) on reading designated by instructor 15%; Term paper (discussed with outline in advance) 50%; Class test (one hour) 25%. For M.A. and Th.M II students only.

This course will involve a prayful theological reflection arising from participation in an actual journey to Auschwitz. How does this fact of history pose challenges for Christian thinking, praying and acting. Prerequisite: Approval of Professor. Readings and participation in 8 day trip to Germany and Auschwitz. BD students: participation with two reflection papers. AD students: participation with 20-30 page major paper on a topic arranged with the professor.

This course will examine human sexuality from a range of theological and historical perspectives: scriptural, doctrinal, sociological, and ethical. Questions of sexual differentiation, desire, procreation, family, and marriage and celibacy will be discussed. The goal of the course is to provide the student with a broad base from which to discern a consistent pattern of Christian understanding regarding sexuality, within both historical and contemporary diversities. The course will engage broad reading, lecture, and discussion, with a final paper aimed at outlining and justifying a teaching syllabus for teenagers within a church setting (15 pages). Advanced Degree students will have an expanded reading list and will be writing a longer research paper on a chosen set topic relating to Christian formation with regard to sexuality within pluralistic cultures.

We will study the theological, social, and economic components of Old Testament ethics and will explore a variety of themes related to contemporary issues, including the problem of violence and war; economics and the poor; law and the legal system; culture and family; justice and righteousness; and ecology and the earth. A book report and final paper or project is required.

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

In this course we will explore the unfolding of the English Reformation and the chief theologians who contributed to its development. Beginning with John Fisher and ending with Richard Hooker, we will explore the evolving perspectives within a church that described itself as both Protestant and catholic. Our goal will be to identify the distinctive positions and concerns of each of these authors from which the fabric of Anglican thought was woven. Before the first class, complete the readings for the first 3 sessions. Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions of primary and secondary texts. Means of evaluation: Class participation - 30%; leading a discussion - 30%; and final paper (15 or 25 pages, depending on level) - 40%

Other Information: Second Semester · One Credit · Crosslisted to: TheologicalEnrollment Notes: Withdrawal Deadline: August 21st Additional Notes: The course will be offered as a 6000-level course as well.

Offered in Summer 2012 · New Course · Toronto (St. George Campus) Site

In this course we will explore the unfolding of the English Reformation and the chief theologians who contributed to its development. Beginning with John Fisher and ending with Richard Hooker, we will explore the evolving perspectives within a church that described itself as both Protestant and catholic. Our goal will be to identify the distinctive positions and concerns of each of these authors from which the fabric of Anglican thought was woven. Before the first class, complete the readings for the first 3 sessions. Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions of primary and secondary texts. Means of evaluation: Class participation - 30%; leading a discussion - 30%; and final paper (15 or 25 pages, depending on level) - 40%

Other Information: Second Semester · One Credit · Crosslisted to: TheologicalEnrollment Notes: Withdrawal Deadline: August 21st Additional Notes: The course will be offered as a 3000-level course as well.

This course traces the development of Catholic Social Teaching and action from an historical and theological perspective. A Christian concept of justice will be explored within Biblical and theological contexts. Cultural developments that have impacted, and those that continue to influence, social thought, teaching and action within the Church will be discussed. The primary texts for the course are the social documents of the Church beginning with the Encyclical of Pope Leo X111, Rerum Novarum (1891) and continuing to the present day. Students will become familiar with the content of such documents and they will be encouraged to analyse the theological and social foundations upon which the documents have been developed. Key principles of Catholic Social Teaching will be introduced. The course will also explore the Christian call to justice and ways in which the social teachings of the Church can be integrated into personal spirituality and ministry. To facilitate such integration, examples will be highlighted from the lives of social activists within the Church. Teaching and learning methods will include, lecture, discussion, media and biographical analysis.